By JUDI LUTZ WOODS

What a precious gem we have right here in Fredonia, at the Rockefeller Arts Center.

Under the direction of Jefferson Westwood, we have a high quality venue that allows the college students to highlight their talents and the audience to reap the rewards.

For the past two years I have had the privilege to usher at the Center, exposing me to many productions that I might have otherwise ignored. During my Usher adventure I got to see dramatic plays, musicals, comedies, dance productions and concerts such as the Air Force and Army jazz ensembles. Each one of the highest professional quality.

Some of the productions had me laughing out loud, some made me cry and some made me think. Many left me in complete awe as to the talent and skills the students reflected in their work, both as performers as well as behind the scenes sound engineers, costume design, and set creation. During intermission, in the lobby, you got to meet some of the behind scene workers as they showed the drafts, details, and overall layout for each play.

The talent of the students, whether on stage or behind the scene, was truly spectacular. I was in total amazement with each production I saw. The students and the faculty of the college talents shined throughout each. I feel so fortunate that we have this cultural resource right here in our little village.

The dazzling final concert by the Fredonia Jazz Orchestra, under the direction of Dr. Nick Weiser was truly mesmerizing. It was hard for me to believe these were only college students on the stage, playing and dancing.

Each was so professional with exceptional talent. Most notably was the number “Midnight Train to Georgia,” which to me was the best I have ever heard.

We truly are living in paradise. Not only do we have the beauty of the shoreline and the rolling hill landscape, we have easy inexpensive access to the Arts.

What more could one ask for?

Judi Lutz Woods is a Fredonia resident.